In the early 1960s, the Effingham County COOP Store operated to serve farmers in the area. It was a farmers’ cooperative for purchasing items for crop production and some sales of farm products. Located across from the Effingham County Judicial Building on north Laurel Street in Springfield, the building is still in existence and is utilized by James Carlson and Joann’s Florist for storage. Manager of the store at the time of these photos was Wilton Shearouse. His daughter, Joyce Ann Shearouse Tuten, worked around the store and was very active in 4-H.
This was written by Susan Exley from Historic Effingham Society. If you have photos or historical information to share contact her at 912-754-6681 or email hesheraldexley@aol.com